By Barth Ozah
Chybee Entrepreneurship Foundation for Women, has disclosed plans to honour the Asagba of Asaba, Professor Epiphany Azinge, with an average of excellence in recognition of his outstanding contribution to humanity.
The founder, Chybee Entrepreneurship Foundation for women, Lady Chinyere Chukwudi Zimako who revealed the plan when she led members of the foundation on courtesy visit to the monarch said, the Asagba contribution to advancement of the society through his professional skill as a legar luminary as well as his humanitarian services are worthy of recognition hence he was selected for the prestigious award.
According to Zimako, the Asagba will be conferred with the award alongside other prominent citizens at the forthcoming African Cultural festival, which will feature cultural display like fashion, dancing and other cultural activities by various tribes saying the event is expected to hold at Asaba in the month of May, 2025.
She said her foundation empowers young girls and women who have viable ideas and ready to go into businesses to make a living noting; “we support young girls and women with existing businesses with grants to grow and sustain their businesses. Promote training in entrepreneurship skills to enable them create winning enterprises and provide mentorship and network opportunities for young women in businesses.
“It is worthy to note that the since inception of this organisation in July 3rd, 2023, we have set the ball rolling by empowering a total of 90 women and girls with the sum of N100,000 each and 10 women given sewing machine one each. We also do a follow up to confirm that the grant is judiciously used.” She added.
Responding, the Asagba said; “I appreciate you profusely on your goals and objectives as highlighted by you. Encouraging businesses is good in economy such as ours and to build up a woman for skill, it is worthy of admiration.
“I note with interest that you are also a Knight of St. John. That is the spirit because the order encourages services to humanity. 70 percent of Asaba residents are made up of youths that are mainly unemployed and lacking in skills, to that extent, what you are doing is something that add values, we encourage you to also help our people to grow.
Continuing; “We look forward to your programme in May, even if I didn’t come myself, I will certainly send a representative. The palace will key into your programme and also use the opportunity to showcase Asaba rich culture. I feel honoured for your award, I feel humbled.” Asagba pointed.
According to the monarch, “Your programme is a testament that you love Asaba and that is what I encourage residents to do both indigenes and non indigenes. You are worthy of emulation and I want other non indigenes to emulate you in building the capacity of our people. May Asaba land bless you.”